How long is a New York marriage license valid for?

Full question:

I live in New York. We got our marriage license issued last week. How long is the validity of our marriage license? Can we marry after two months?

  • Category: Marriage
  • Subcategory: License
  • Date:
  • State: New York

Answer:

In New York, a marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, starting the day after it is issued. If you do not marry within this period, the license will expire, and you will need to obtain a new one to get married.

According to NY CLS Dom Rel § 13, couples must apply for a marriage license in person at a town or city clerk. The marriage cannot be solemnized within twenty-four hours of the license issuance unless authorized by a court. Additionally, it cannot be solemnized after sixty days from the issuance date unless specific legal provisions are met.

If you plan to marry after two months, you will need to get a new marriage license, as the one you have will no longer be valid.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

After obtaining a marriage license in New York, you should plan your wedding ceremony. You must wait at least 24 hours after the license is issued before getting married, unless a court authorizes an earlier ceremony. Ensure that the marriage is solemnized within 60 days, as the license will expire after that period. After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the license and return it to the issuing clerk for official recording.